There was a time
(Seems like yesterday.)
We spoke with honor
The words we would say.
We were there for others:
Come what may;
Right or not…
‘Twas the American way.
There was a time
(Was it yesterday?)
When we were inclusive,
Not cast to the fray.
We would ask you for dinner;
Invite you to play.
Because we were equal,
‘Twas the American way.
There was a time
(It’s on the tip of my tongue)
Where we’d look to our flag,
And allegiance was sung;
When our Republic believed
We’re a nation of one;
And we’d live without worry
Under the sun.
There was a time
(It’s important to note.)
We were given the privilege
To debate and to vote.
Prioritize promise
Of what seemed to be fair;
We might disagree,
But always, we’d care.
There was a time:
(In Hamilton’s mind)
Disgrace over danger,
Would not align
For what we called freedom:
Was an American’s choice
Room for difference, together…
That was our voice.
There was a time
(Life’s no piece of cake)
When we’d choose to give
Before we would take
Where we’d make a feast
From life’s curd and its whey
Invite you in from the cold
Without delay.
Yes, it feels like a time
(In a dishonest way)
Where we’re spayed and we’re neutered;
And it’s all gone away:
But don’t be discouraged
And don’t dare disarm
Your morals, your standards,
Your humor, your charm.
Because none of it’s over
‘Til the fat lady sings–
We’re just fighting a battle
Where Liberty rings–
And with truth and our honor
We’ll forge a new day
And decency returns to..
The American Way.
Top Bigstock photo by Andrey Zyk
